GAC Bunker Fuels (GBFL), the GAC Group’s bunker trading and brokerage arm, has entered into a strategic partnership with US-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier REV LNG and its marine arm REV LNG Marine to deliver LNG bunkering services to ship owners and operators trading in North America.
The alliance is said to offer a complete LNG supply chain in North America ports, in response to growing demand for LNG as a marine fuel.
LNG provides an alternative to low-sulfur marine gas oil for vessels sailing in the current North American ECA (Emissions Control Area), enabling them to reduce emissions well below the mandatory 0.1%.
By 2020 or 2025, LNG is expected to provide a solution when the global sulfur cap of 0.5% comes into force.
According to Bob Bandos, GAC North America’s Managing Director – Shipping, the goal of the alliance is to recognize and overcome the multiple challenges associated with the widespread adoption of LNG as a bunkering fuel, including guaranteeing security of supply at multiple ports, and overcoming uncertainties associated with fluctuating energy prices.